Jonathan Rosenbaum, a renowned film critic, had an unexpected journey to his career. Growing up in Florence, Alabama, with a grandfather who owned a chain of theaters, Rosenbaum had early exposure to movies. However, it was his time in Paris, where he edited a collection of film criticism, that sparked his passion for film criticism. His extensive career includes writing for various publications and organizations, with his longest tenure at the Chicago Reader as the chief film critic from 1987 to 2008. Even after leaving the Reader, Rosenbaum continued to write about film, with his works available on his personal website, jonathanrosenbaum.net. Recently, Hat & Beard Press published a book titled “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities: A Jonathan Rosenbaum Reader,” a collection of over a hundred essays and reviews from 1964 to 2023, offering an autobiographical look into his life and work.
In a recent interview, Rosenbaum shared insights into his upbringing in Alabama, his early experiences with writing and comics, and his radicalization at the Highlander Folk School. He reflected on his time at boarding school and the challenges he faced, which ultimately led him to pursue writing. Rosenbaum discussed his transition to film criticism in Paris and his views on the role of a film critic. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking and individual opinions in film criticism, highlighting the need for critics to guide audiences rather than dictate their views.
Rosenbaum delved into his deep love for jazz and his experiences attending concerts, including a memorable Louis Armstrong performance. He also shared his observations on racial segregation in movie theaters and the impact of Jim Crow laws on his upbringing. Reflecting on his time at the Chicago Reader, Rosenbaum discussed the changing dynamics at the publication and the challenges he faced as an author.
Throughout the interview, Rosenbaum emphasized the importance of self-discovery through writing and the role of a critic in shaping discussions about art. He shared his views on the commercial influences on film criticism and the need for critics to maintain independence and authenticity in their work. Rosenbaum’s unique perspective as an artist and a critic shines through in his approach to writing, emphasizing the importance of exploration and improvisation in his craft.
